Production/Operations Shift Manager at Mars, Incorporated in Columbia, South Carolina

Job Description:

Job Description:

The Shift Manager is a shift-based, front-line operations people Manager who efficiently improves Quality, Human Safety, and Product Cost Conversion while Engaging and Developing talent. The Shift Manager is responsible for delivering operational targets and leading teams of, on average, 16 shift associates.

The Shift Manager drives safety, quality, continuous improvement, performance management, associate development, team engagement, and operating results for their assigned shift through shift-based leadership of our production process. This Manager will coordinate the short-term activities of the area within established guidelines and standards to produce the highest quality, lowest cost product most safely and efficiently while also partnering with the other members of the 24-hour Area Managership Team to deliver area continuous improvement and Mars Supply Excellence (MSE) program implementation.

The Shift Manager is responsible for building an effective team on his/her shift and in his/her area of responsibility and for managing the training strategy for both the individual associates and the team. This Manager will implement and enforce established policy and area and organizational strategies.

Location: Columbia, SC

• Conversion - Manage the efforts of multi-line, area, or technology operating teams on one shift to efficiently convert materials into quality products in a safe, secure, and sanitary manner within the product design specifications.


• Change Agent - Implement changes in methods, equipment, systems, and organization, as needed, to ensure that the objectives of the line/area are met and give input and recommendations for such changes by using a continuous improvement mindset.


• Mars Supply Excellence - Lead or participate in one or more MSE Pillars; Lead and support the implementation of Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Integrated Work Teams (IWTs) in area of responsibility; Lead key connection points and own reliability data collection accuracy.


• Area Ownership - Collaborate with the rest of the Area Managership Team (Area Manager or Continuous Improvement Engineer, Continuous Improvement Specialist, Maintenance Coordinator) to create and execute the reliability strategy for the area of responsibility.


• Coaching-Coach operators to build their functional and Managerial capabilities and drive accountability in safety, Quality and Food Safety, Autonomous Maintenance, and team engagement.


• Line Operations - Coordinate materials, staffing, and resources to support line operation and changeovers.


• Standards Implementation and Adherence - Ensure standards are implemented on shift and in areas of responsibility through effective communication, change management, consistent reinforcement, coaching, guidance, and accountability measures.


• Associate Safety - Ensure safe working conditions, behaviors, and mindsets through the direct implementation of Mars Safety programs and driving a relentless focus among a team of operators.


• Food Safety and Product Quality - Ensure the ongoing Shift of safe and defect-free products consistent with the principles of Mars. HACCP proficiency is required; this manager owns ongoing training and championing of quality goals and improvements at the Area Shift level.


• Associate Advocacy - Manage associate relations issues and guide and direct the hiring, training, retraining, development, and motivation of Operations associates following self-managed, team-working principles with a minimum degree of guidance from the Production Manager.


• Engagement - Responsible for facilitating and driving an environment of high associate engagement on the team.


• Goal Setting and Measurement - With the general guidance of the Production Manager and/or the support of the Continuous Improvement Engineer, establish line and individual performance standards and goals, and measure, control, take corrective action, and report results as appropriate.


• Troubleshooting - Utilize the technical resources on shift for the preventive maintenance, repair and troubleshooting of process/packaging equipment problems, to effectively use these resources to achieve desired performance levels.


• Escalations-Proactively identify risks and opportunities and reactively lead on-shift incident resolution when operators require additional support. Prioritize, assign resources to escalated issues, and make decisions to resolve escalated issues.


• Communications - Ensure that open communications are established and opportunities to broaden the scope and responsibility of Operations teams/associates are undertaken.


• Technology Advancement - Advise when opportunities exist for moving the line/area forward in technological change.


• Operations Strategy - Participate in implementing improvement strategies to help the line/area perform more effectively in the near term.


• Recruiting and Onboarding-This position is responsible for partnering with Talent Acquisition to recruit and select associates for operations roles and for effectively onboarding associates.


• Associate Development - Develop associates by mentoring and supporting their development plans and helping them grow in functional capability and long-term career.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED is required


• Great communication skills


• Associate or Bachelor's degree is preferred.


• Prior Management Experience in high-speed production facility is a plus


• Must have the ability to work a rotating shift

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced Degree


• Demonstrated experience working in Quality & HACCP concepts, plant sanitation practices and procedures


• Demonstrated experience working in Safety


• Minimum 1 year experience in a food production environment


• Minimum 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role


• Project Management


• Proficiency in word process, spreadsheets, internet software, email

Knowledge/Experience

• Experience and demonstrated capability in leading others.


• Previous direct people Managership experience preferred.


• Working knowledge of Good Manufacturing Practices.


• Ability to convey communications clearly and concisely.


• Understanding of major functions within the plant and the ability to work directly with all levels and functions.


• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Systems including Word and Excel and proficiency in internet software and email.


• Ability to succeed in an ambiguous environment.


• Functional knowledge and understanding of HACCP concepts.


• Experience in plant sanitation practices and procedures.


• Ability to deliver critical performance feedback and hold associates accountable to business objectives.


• Champion of safety with OSHA experience or certification preferred.

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.